Have you ever wondered what is going on behind the doors of a dental surgery clinic? If you’re not sure what to expect, and you’re feeling a little nervous about a procedure, don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Many people have questions about oral surgery and post-operative care, or concerns about complications such as inflammation after dental surgery. Here, our team of Montreal dentists guide you through the basics of oral surgery.
Oral surgery overview
Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of surgical problems related to the mouth, jaw, teeth and gums. Oral surgeons are highly qualified dental professionals who have undergone advanced training in order to treat a variety of problems related to oral anatomy, physiology and the pathology of surrounding tissues.
Their expertise encompasses accurate diagnosis, pain management, and the resolution of complex problems including dental infections, abscesses, tumor lesions and jaw disorders.
Oral surgery definition
Oral surgery goes beyond simply performing surgical procedures in the mouth. The term encompasses a range of medical and dental procedures that require surgical intervention. This includes the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of various oral and maxillofacial conditions.
These procedures are performed by highly qualified oral surgeons who specialize in both dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Oral surgeons use state-of-the-art technologies, such as 3D dental X-rays, to perform precise procedures, and frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals (radiologists, anesthetists) to provide comprehensive, high-quality oral surgery care.
What are the different types of oral surgery?
Common types of oral surgery include:
- Dental extraction, which involves the removal of a tooth for any number of medical reasons, include damage or infection
- Dental implants, in which missing teeth are replace by implants installed directly in the jawbone
- Bone grafts
- Gum grafts, a procedure required in cases of receding gums or to support teeth or implants.
How is oral surgery performed?
Any surgical procedure, including oral surgery, requires careful planning and a full understanding of the key stages of the procedure: before, during and after.
1. Preparing for oral surgery
Preparation for minor oral surgery is vitally important to the success of the procedure. Patients must carefully follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by their surgeon, who has an in-depth knowledge of the specific procedures and individual needs of each patient. This preparation involves several key elements:
- Pre-operative fasting: Patients must refrain from eating or drinking for a set period of time before the operation, as instructed by their surgeon. An empty stomach reduces the risk of nausea and regurgitation during the procedure.
- Temporarily stop taking certain medications: This may include drugs that affect blood coagulation, to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery.
- Following other specific instructions: Depending on the type of procedure, the oral surgeon may give the patient other, specific instructions related to oral hygiene, or prescribe preventive antibiotics.
2. The surgery
Oral surgery procedures vary in scope and process. However, there are a few steps that remain the same no matter what intervention is being performed. First, the surgeon meets the patient to discuss the procedure, explain in detail what will happen and answer any questions.
Next, the patient is given local or general anesthesia, to ensure their comfort. Once the patient is ready, the surgeon performs the procedure, following a precise protocol.
The patient is always carefully monitored throughout the procedure to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
3. Post-operative care and recovery
The instructions to be followed after dental surgery are of vital importance to the patient’s health and well-being.
Here is an overview of the most important post-operative care information:
- Immediate care: Immediately after oral surgery, patients are often monitored in the recovery room. They will receive instructions on how to manage minor bleeding and pain.
- Nutrition and hydration: Patients receive specific instructions on nutrition and hydration after surgery. This may include recommendations on the types of food to eat after surgery, the temperature of drinks, and precautions to take to avoid irritating the operated area.
- Good oral hygiene: This includes using antiseptic mouthwashes, managing pain and swelling, and appropriate tooth brushing.
- Watch for abnormal signs: Be alert to excessive bleeding, infection or abnormal swelling, and contact your oral surgeon if you have any problems.
- Medical follow-up: Keep track of medical follow-up appointments to check that your recovery is going as planned, and to take action if necessary.
- Resuming normal activities: The patient will receive instructions on resuming your daily activities, including returning to work, exercising and eating solid foods, depending on your state of health.
Benefits and risks of oral surgery
Oral surgery offers significant benefits, but also involves certain risks and potential complications. It is crucial to fully understand this so that you can make an informed decision regarding an intervention.
Oral surgery has the potential to resolve complex dental problems, including impacted wisdom teeth, serious dental infections, and jaw disorders. The main benefit of oral surgery is that is offers effective solutions to improve oral health. In addition, cosmetic oral surgery, such as gum grafting and dental implantology, can also help improve the appearance of your smile.
In many cases, oral surgery provides significant relief from the pain and discomfort associated with serious oral health problems, and offers patients improved well-being.
<H3> Possible risks and complications
The potential risks and complications associated with oral surgery are equally important to take into consideration.
These include potential infection (gingival, dental or other) which is a risk in any surgical procedure, although surgeon rigorously do everything possible to minimize the chances of an infection taking hold.
There is also a risk of bleeding or having an adverse reaction to the anesthetic, although this is rare. After the procedure, complications such as gum inflammation, pain or difficulty eating may also occur.
Finally, despite the high success rate of oral surgery procedures, failure is always a possibility.
At Clinique Dentaire 1935, your oral health is our priority
You can improve your smile and maintain your oral health with oral surgery, but remember, while oral surgery offers many benefits, it is not without its risks.
At Clinique Dentaire 1935, we’re well aware of the issues surrounding oral surgery, and we offer our patients both professional expertise and an empathetic approach, guiding you through every step of your journey to better oral health.
Our Montreal dentists are at your side! You can contact us for dental emergencies or to schedule an appointment for first-rate dental care. Your oral health is our priority!